National Library Week in Orlando: Events and More April 6-12, 2025
National Library Week is April 6 to April 12, 2025—and our Orlando area libraries plan to help you and your kiddos achieve bookworm status! Whether you have an avid reader at home or a struggling bookworm who squirms at the sight of any reading materials, National Library Week is an opportunity to dive into storytelling, creativity, and community fun.
There are free things to do to celebrate the occasion, among classes and workshops. Here is what families should know and how to take advantage of National Library Week!
In Case You’re Interested:
>> Super Fun Family Restaurants
>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
What is National Library Week?
National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the importance of libraries, librarians, and access to information. Organized by the American Library Association (ALA), this occasion serves as a reminder of the vital role libraries play in our communities, offering free access to books, digital resources, educational programs and so much more.
National Library Week helps promote literacy, lifelong learning and public support of libraries.
Many Orlando area libraries host an array of programs that encourage reading habits, spark curiosity and create bonding moments for parents and children. On a personal note, I can attest that I met some great mom friends while attending various library programs.
Beyond books, libraries offer access to technology, research assistance and more that support education and personal growth. They provide a welcoming space for families to explore new interests, complete homework, a haven for homeschooling families, and engage with book-lovin’ neighbors.
National Library Week at Orange County Library System (OCLS)
There are some sweet amenities that I think some Orlandoans may not know are offered by OCLS. Let me tell you about…
- Home Delivery: If you’re schedule is cray-cray like every parent (self-included)… just order your books and other resources to be delivered right to your doorstep! Game-changer.
- Drive Time: In a world with all things tech and gaming, your kiddos may enjoy the driving education simulators and flying simulators, plus VR learning stations, located at The Melrose Center at Orlando Public Library.
- Library of Things: Yes, the official name of this resource program—Library of Things—is funny but the options are seriously epic. You can check out all sorts of science, art, health and sports kits. Why invest in disc golf gear for one weekend outing when you can borrow it for free from OCLS?!
- Language Guides: OCLS helps members learn new languages with an array of virtual and in-person opportunities.
Orlando Parenting reached out to OCLS for National Library Week info and hadn’t heard back as of press time. We encourage you to explore OCLS’ detailed calendar with all of OCLS events.
National Library Week with Osceola Library System
The Osceola Library System hosts a ton of family-friends programs and events too. If you haven’t taken advantage of these free experiences yet, National Library Week is a great time to try it out.
Some popular offerings include: GLOW Read a Book (black light session), Grow Your Poet-Tree!, LEGO Club, Baby & Me, STEAMworks, Robotics, ASL, and much more.
Special National Library Week Events
- WonderWorks Tickets Giveaway: Sign up for a Library Card during National Library Week and receive one WonderWorks Orlando ticket per sign-up.
- “Drawn to the Library” Art Showcase: This is a celebration of creativity. Community-submitted artwork will be displayed in library branches and featured on the library’s social media platforms.
- Daily Awareness Campaign: Each day, the Library will spotlight, via social media and staff participation, different services, resources and initiatives, raising awareness about the many ways libraries enrich lives.
- Programs for All Ages: A variety of engaging events and activities will be available for both children and adults, encouraging lifelong learning and connection. All events will be published in the online events calendar.
For example, kiddos can celebrate at the National Library Week Reading Buffet (April 9, 4:30-5:30pm) by sampling new book genres at the library’s Reading Buffet and create an alternate cover for their favorite book. And adults can participate in several National Library Week themed events, including:- Love My Library: Trivia Tuesday (April 8, 2-3pm)
- Love My Library: Board Game Bonanza (April 10, 1:30-3:30pm)
- Maker’s Café: Painted Bookends (April 12, 2:30-3:30).
National Library Week at Seminole County Public Library System
While specific events for National Library Week 2025 are yet to be announced, as of press time, the Seminole County Public Library System consistently offers a plethora of programs catering to all age groups. Here’s what you can typically expect:
- Storytime Sessions: Interactive storytelling sessions that captivate young minds and foster a love for reading. There’s also a dance class, crafting and more.
- STEAM Workshops: Hands-on activities focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, encouraging kids to explore and innovate.
- Teen Advisory Boards: Empowering teens to have a say in library programs, fostering leadership skills and community involvement.
To get the latest updates on National Library Week events, keep an eye on the Seminole County Public Library’s official website and social media channels.
National Library Week at Lake County Library System
As a longtime resident of West Orange County, I so regret not taking advantage of the great programming offered by Lake County Library System. I am not throwing shade at Orange, Osceola or Seminole, but Lake truly hosts regularly scheduled awesomeness, including LEGO Club, Storytime, Anime for Teens, Minecraft Meet-Up, Art Club, Power for Paws (reading with therapy dogs), SuperCubing and more.
Plus, on multiple days this monthly, Lake County Library System is set to host special National Library Week festivities, including: Book Cover Redesign Contest, Caption Contest!, Pajama Storytime, Teen Library Olympics, Poetry Play and Book Bingo, among other events.
Check out dates and times in Lake County Library Systems’ calendar.
Happy reading!
